About Southwest K-9 Academy

In-home and park training in Punta Gorda

Southwest K-9 Academy, LLC is a Punta Gorda dog training business owned and operated by Dennis Dalia, its founder and a trainer for over 30 years. It says it has served Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Englewood, Fort Myers and Naples for over 27 years. Dennis is a graduate of the Florida Canine Academy, where he studied canine behavior and worked in behavior modification and obedience training, and he later worked with police dog competition winner and author Tom Rose.

Training

The academy specializes in behavior modification and all levels of obedience, through an in-home training program and training at the local park. Every program is custom tailored, starting with a consultation where Dennis evaluates the dog and shows the owner how to get the best and quickest results. Common problems include jumping, biting, aggression toward people or dogs, digging, running away, pulling on leash and chewing. The goal is to give owners the understanding to build love, respect and trust with their dog.

What owners say

One client wrote that her rescue dog Luna once lunged at anyone who came close, and now "she sits when asked, comes when called, she is very obedient. She's a totally different dog!"

Contact

The academy is at 2135 Ulster Court in Punta Gorda, at 941-639-5111.